What's Next?

Title: Post-Marathon Blues? Not Here. What’s Next After 26.2 Miles

By Ben Brumfit

The marathon is done.4:08 on the clock.In that heat, I’ll take it. The goal was sub-4, and I flirted with it—danced the line, blew a few kisses—but I’m proud of the result. It’s reignited something in me. That familiar flame of long-distance challenge, the big-sky thinking that makes your heart race before your feet even hit the trail.

But first—let’s talk recovery.

The Recovery Week: Do Nothing, Then Do It Properly

A lot of runners panic post-race. They fear losing fitness, or feel a bit lost without a training plan. Not me. I embrace the recovery like a cold pint after a long run—earned, essential, and absolutely non-negotiable.

Here’s what my recovery week looked like:

• Day 1-2: Gentle walking, lots of stretching, all the snacks. Letting the inflammation settle.

• Day 3-4: Mobility work, light movement, and sleeping like it’s a sport.

• Day 5-7: Back to light training—easy cycles, swims, and a cheeky bit of upper body work (because T-shirts don’t fill themselves).

  
  

No running. Zero guilt. Recovery isn’t lazy, it’s elite.

Now that the legs are back online and the mind’s firing on all cylinders… what’s next?

On the Horizon: Challenges That Call My Name

I’m not one for sitting still. You don’t spend your career in the forces or the fitness trenches and then stop at one start line. The marathon was just the warm-up act. Now it’s time for something that bites back a bit more. Here's what's caught my eye for post-summer:

🏔️ The Bob Graham Round

A legendary fell running challenge. 42 peaks. 66 miles. 27,000 feet of elevation. A proper test of grit and quads. This one whispers to the mountain goat in me.

🛡️ Hadrian’s Wall Path

84 miles coast to coast along Roman history. Less brutal elevation, but a long haul across stunning terrain. It’s less about speed, more about rhythm and resilience.

🌊 Coast to Coast (Wainwright’s Route)

From St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay—190 miles of lakes, peaks, and dales. Multi-day, multi-terrain, and a feast for the soul. I’d need to carve time out for this one, but it’s calling me.

🏋️ Hyrox

A beast of a hybrid fitness event. Running meets functional training. Think 8 x 1K runs broken up by nasty things like sled pushes, burpees, and farmer’s carries. It’s a different kind of pain—but a beautiful one. Definitely one to throw in the mix if I fancy a change of pace (and punishment).

Why Keep Going?

Because the finish line is just another starting point.Because I want to show my clients—especially the men in their 40s like me—that adventure doesn’t retire at 40. It starts when the kids are fed, the mortgage is ticking over, and you finally ask yourself: “What do I want to do?”

That’s what Ben Brumfit Coaching is about.It’s not just reps and macros—it’s about reigniting your purpose through movement, challenge, and showing up for yourself.

So what’s next? I don’t know which challenge I’ll commit to just yet… but I will commit.

Because goals give shape to our days, and training gives meaning to the grind.

If you’re ready for a challenge—or want help finding yours—drop me a message.Let’s go get it.